For those of us without kids, our pets are our kids. I know, I get it. Leaving one behind would be tragic.
So how can you smoothly bring one down with you to live in Ecuador?
It is actually far easier than you think.
First, you need to get the pet inspected and certified for good health with a vet in the US, then have that certification registered in the Ecuadorian Embassy in your country.
Then, you simply bring it down with you on your plane (it will most likely have to travel below the plane).
Upon arrival, the pet will be inspected again by local officials and released. You will not have to pay import taxes or fees.
It often depends on the airline as to how long it takes for the pet to be released upon arrival (check with them how long it will be before you buy your ticket!) Some airlines are better than others.
An important thing to keep in mind is that “wild or unique” animals will not be permitted to enter the country. So your pet snake or tiger will probably have to stay with your auntie Em.
Also important to note, ALWAYS try to bring the pet within 30 days before or after your entrance into the country. If you try to bring it down sooner or later than that you could run into customs problems.
Hasta pronto, Domenick…hey, if you liked this, you’ll love my weekly Foreign Investor’s newsletter for insider tips and opportunities in Ecuador…subscribe below(unsubscribe at any time):
Yes, but how can our pets travel within the cabin with us. We’ve all heard horror stories about pets getting too hot or too cold or stuck for a long time under the plane. We want to avoid that. How can that be done?
Hello Elaine, I have heard of someone bringing a cat with them in the cabin of the plane…maybe if your pets are small enough you can take them…check with various airlines, some will say no, maybe one yes…
Hi there,
What do you mean by this “ALWAYS try to bring the pet within 30 days before or after your entrance into the country.”
How do we send our pets 30 days before us?
Thanks
Michelle
P.S. check your code to opt in for your email. It keeps telling me to enter my email even after I have entered it.
Hey Michelle,
OK, well that is the official pet rule as told to me by a customs agent, I know it doesn’t make much sense the before part… I have subscribed you to the weekly insider’s newsletter…not sure what happened, I just checked it, it seems to work OK for me…maybe you have an older web browser…saludos, domenick
I have searched and searched and can’t find the answer to my question. I have a Timneh African Grey parrot Nigel. He is a closed banded bird (a metal band that is placed around his leg) which actually serves two purposes: to demonstrate that the he is domestically bred, and therefore has not been smuggled into the United States, and to identify his origin. We are planning to move to Cuenca Ecuador in 2011 and would appreciate any help you can offer. Thank you.